The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-07-10

inc catastrophe aG NuR.
The appalling disaster at the capital Of the
beautiful little Lake Zug will check the tide
OF humanity from America and England
toward the loveliest Continental region for
summer rest The spot, which will become
as historic as the site Of the lost town OF
Goldau in neigbboring canton, is charm
ingly environed. Tho little town OF Zug de-
rives It's Importance chiefly from its value to
tourists. Almost ut the northeastern ex-
tremity Of the lake, 1t lies half way between
Zurich to the north, @ favorite resort all
summer, and tho wonderful Rigi to the SOUTH
west 1t is not only therefore, a convenient
stopping place for those who make the grand
tour OF northern and midland Switzerland,
but it is OF itself residence for families
during the entire season; and no town in
the upper half of the country possesses
greater natural advantages.
The views on every side are superb. North
ward, fertile valleys, enlivened by blue lakes,
spread away, rich in the crops which toll,
aided 80 scantily by nature, coaxes from the
rocky soil during the brief heated months.
The winds, always vivacious on even tho
smallest OF the Swiss waters, are generally
alive with various craft not too well built for
squalls; and the Swiss, being landsmen,
manage to make sensations for their mex
perenced guests who cannot reef In time
to escape the fierce gusts that whirl them
selves out of the scurrying clouds which are
the inhabitants Of mountain countries. Even
tire valleys north Of Zug are ribbed with foot
hills which afford shelter for bold tenters and
small game that must be hunted before
cnught by oven the most accomplished sports.
To the south rises the gigantic shadow of
Rigi with dozen graduated heights be-
tween; and on clear days the bold brow Of
Pilatus Is also to be seen still further SOUTH
west. To the southeast are numerous groups
of peaks and long ranges Of highlands, con-
shutting altogether vista OF extraordinary
majesty and noble beauty.
The disaster, which is likely to be followed
by similar disturbances, will drive the tour
lists to the southwest, particularly toward
the Bernese Overland, which has become
much better known of late years, and Is al
ready preferred by visitors who desire sim
pie and cheap living combined with char
acteristic Alpine outlook. Within five years
the region around Thinner See and Lake
Brienz, for instance, has been thoroughly
opened up; and along the banks Of these
lovely Alpine mirrors arc many hotels en-
powered in deep groves overlooking the
lakes. Between these two lies Interlaken,
the pet Of the En- glish, and the resort OF the
Americans who like to be baked; for all the
Swiss valleys are hot, and Interlaken Is
girdle, nothing more, across the two lakes.
It's site at one time was doubtless below the
water line. The magnificent prospects Of
xvl,in off do 1,a
talisman that has made it the busiest and
one Of the most interesting, humanity speak
ing, Of the valley cities. Its fame for high
temperature has induced tho building Of eX-
cellent hostelries up among the very noun
tains whose everlasting SHOWS are its at
traction; and as the hotels Of Switzerland
are the cheapest and best on the Continent,
the tourists who are dlscouraged,from SEEK
ing a summer home in the vicinity Of the
troubled Lake Zug will find abundant ac-
commodations and ample delight above and
around Interlaken.
The sub-lake landslide by which the quays
and number Of houses, including a new
hotel, were submerged, is phenomenon
which should not startle the Swiss for 1t ID
to be expected throughout that entire Sec
ton and Is not 80 rare as to be novel. The
loss Of life, however, has not been paralleled
since the destruction ofGoldau, when huge
mass Of earth, loosened from mountain ribs,
rushed down. a mile in length, a thousand
feet in breadth and o. hundred in thickness.
three thousand feet into the valley. burying
four villages with five hundred human be-
ings, including considerable party of travelt
lers. That was In the first years OF the GEN.
fury. No yearspasses without disturbances
by which lakes are engulfed or new ones
created, formed by the mountain streams.
These are so furious after the melting of the
SHOWS that they have changed the beds Of
rivers scooped out new torrent ways down
to the greater lakes and drained off marshes,
making pasturage for the thin and hardy
cattle to find good nipping on without the
expenditure Of capital
But these incidents cause little commotion
in q country whose mountains with their
cowled heads In heaven ard tn cir giant feet
on everlasting rocks give to its people g.
philosophical temperament which Is calm
amid storms and content with the little Of
natural wealth vouchsafed them. Liberty
for Switzerland was secured by her noun
tains. Them and 1t sho values so dearly that
small luxuries, such as jewellers on the flats
OF the free earth lind Indispensable for hap
piness arc triilas in tho estimation OF her
brave, frugal and Industrious people,
The Tenement House Population.
Father HUNTINGTON, tho Protestant monk,
has for several years cast his lot among tho
inhabitants Of one Of tho most crowded dis
tricts of the east side Of the town, and has